It’s Thursday, June 17. Forecasters reported record-high temperatures in seven northern Arizona communities on Wednesday.
Yesterday’s high of 92° in Flagstaff tied with a record high of 92° in 1940. Winslow hit a high of 107°, breaking a 1940 record of 102 degrees. And the Tuzigoot National Monument near Clarkdale reached a high of 116°, surpassing the previous record high of 108° in 2017.
Navajo Nation Council Votes To Reopen Tribal Parks, Awaits Decision From Nez
The Navajo Nation Council voted unanimously earlier this month to reopen tribal parks; the areas closed to visitors in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift comes as the tribe continues a gradual reopening process, allowing flea markets and gaming facilities to operate amid increasing vaccine administration. The Council says President Jonathan Nez faces a June 20th deadline tomake a decision on the new measure.
Jerome PD Searches For Missing Resident
The Jerome Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in searching for a 64-year-old woman last seen on Sunday, June 13. Caroline Denise Guth was last spotted by police near Route 89A by the eastern boundary of Jerome. Her vehicle was discovered at her residence with partially unloaded groceries and keys placed on the bumper. Guth is described as a white woman with brown hair and blue eyes. She’s 5-foot-4 weighing 130 pounds and was last seen wearing a red-and-blue sundress and straw hat. Those with relevant information can contact the Jerome Police via phone.
Cornville, Slate Fires Further Containment
The Cornville Fire has reached 92% containment and remains at about 1,240 according to Coconino National Forest officials Wednesday night. Minimal growth has been reported in recent days; an investigation of the fire’s cause is ongoing, though inspectors with Forest Service Law Enforcement say the blaze began on Cornville Rd. within the Coconino National Forest.
The Slate Fire — 23 miles northwest of Flagstaff — has reached 53% containment and 11,400 acres according to a Wednesday night update from the Bureau of Land Management. The National Weather Service is projecting a 20% chance of rain today in Flagstaff.
AZ Reps Say No To Juneteenth Bill
Two U.S. Representatives from Arizona voted against a measure Wednesday to recognize June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day. The law, which passed, will provide federal recognition for the day slaves in Galveston, Tex. discovered they had been freed — more two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was established.
Rep. Paul Gosar and Rep. Andy Biggs were two of just 14 congressional delegates nationwide to vote against the bill; Gosar released a statement saying the designation would increase cultural divides in the country.
The bill passed with 415 votes in favor from the House of Representatives and a unanimous senate vote.
Juneteenth Business Expo On Tap
Meanwhile, a Flagstaff expo featuring Black-owned businesses is on tap this weekend in conjunction with the Juneteenth holiday. The Southside Community Association and Coconino County African Diaspora council will hold the outdoor event Saturday at the Murdoch Community Center.
Man Left With Injuries After 6-Story Canyoneering Fall
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office says a 56-year-old Phoenix man sustained injuries but survived after an approximately 60-foot fall while canyoneering around Fossil Creek. Officials say the man was attempting to rappel at Horsetank Wash, an area north of Strawberry and Pine. Personnel from the Coconino and Gila counties approached the injured man via helicopter and say he sustained a compound fractured arm in the fall before being transferred to Payson for further treatment.
